a. [ Cf. Dottard. ] Decayed. “Some old dotterel trees.” [ Obs. ] Ascham. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ From Dote, v. i. ] 1. (Zool.) A European bird of the Plover family (Eudromias morinellus, syn. Charadrius morinellus). It is tame and easily taken, and is popularly believed to imitate the movements of the fowler. [ 1913 Webster ]

In catching of dotterels we see how the foolish bird playeth the ape in gestures. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The ringed dotterel (or ring plover) is Charadrius hiaticula. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A silly fellow; a dupe; a gull. Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]